AB Biotek positions yeast-based supplement for trained immunity following mRNA vaccine study

04 Feb 2022 --- UK-based AB Biotek has unveiled a yeast-based supplement ABB C1 ImmunoEssentials, which may support the type of immunity induced by certain vaccines.

Researchers concluded the combination of beta-glucans and selenium- and a zinc-enriched postbiotic “appears to stimulate trained immunity in association with influenza and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.”

“ABB C1 ImmunoEssentials provides consumers with a synergistic combination for trained immunity,” says Gerald Dard, managing director, AB Biotek Human Nutrition and Health.

“To bring to the marketplace a preventive health solution at a time when COVID-19 and other pathogens are exposing the importance of a healthy microbiome is ground-breaking.”

Activating different types of immunity
ABB C1 ImmunoEssentials is a combination of yeast-based ingredients with a beta-1,3/1,6-glucan complex and heat-treated Saccharomyces cerevisiae rich in selenium and zinc. 

ABB C1 ImmunoEssentials is positioned as a preventive health solution that supports trained immunity.Combining beta-glucans with selenium and zinc delivered through yeast fermentation, ABB C1 is positioned to “close the gap between innate and adaptive immunity by empowering both.” 

It offers a holistic approach by targeting innate immune response, accelerating the natural adaptive immune reaction, and controlling hyperreactivity events such as poor short-term results or longer COVID-19 symptoms. 

The product is available in stick packs, capsules, tablets, gummies and bulk powder.

The measured effects
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 34 volunteers who were vaccinated against influenza (Chiromas) and 38 volunteers vaccinated against COVID-19 (Comirnaty). The day after the vaccine, the participants received either the yeast-based combination or a placebo. 

The duration of treatment was 30 and 35 days for the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine groups, respectively. Mean levels of CD4+T cells increased from 910.7 at baseline to 1000.2 cells/µL after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the ABB C1 group, whereas there was a decrease from 1055.1 to 929.8 cells/µL in the placebo group. 

Changes of CD3+T and CD8+T lymphocytes showed a similar trend. In the COVID-19 cohort, the increases in both IgG and IgM were higher in the ABB C1 supplement than in the placebo group.

“We view this product as a new gold standard for this supplement category,” says Carlos de Lecea, global portfolio manager and technical lead, AB Biotek Human Nutrition and Health. 

AB Biotek is a global business division of Associated British Foods. 

Immunity still contagious
Ingredients to support a healthy immune system are still on-trend as the pandemic presses on. 

A recent collaboration between Starbucks and PepsiCo brought Baya energy drink to the market, which combines caffeine from the coffee fruit with vitamin C in a carbonated beverage. 

Kirin Beverage also highlighted 2022 will be an important year for immunity-supporting drinks. The Japan-based company revealed part of its strategy this year will focus on instilling an immune care habit in consumers. 

Edited by Missy Green